It is without a doubt that one’s predicament is sometimes foreshadowed by aspects that symbolize what will unfold in the future. The story of Joseph in the bible is a typical example of encounters that symbolize his rise into power to rule over Israel. Although several occasions could be pointed out to show the aspect of foreshadowing, his dreams are a central factor in presenting several symbolism instances.
Joseph dream about his brother’s sheaves bowing down to his symbolizes his reign over them later in life. It is a dream correctly interpreted by his brother at the time he confided to them. This enrages them, primarily because he could not only become their leader but also, he was also his father’s favorite ("Bible Gateway passage: Genesis 37 - New International Version", 2011) . Closely related to the above, the aspect of Joseph being loved by his father the most in comparison to his brothers symbolizes God’s love for Israel, a nation he loved the most out of all the nations of the earth.
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Joseph’s second dream, again symbolizes that his family will eventually be at his mercy as Israel’s leader. In the dream, Joseph saw the moon and the sun, as well as eleven stars, bow to him. The moon and the sun symbolize his mother and father respectively, and the eleven starts his brothers ("Bible Gateway passage: Genesis 37 - New International Version", 2011) . In a broader perspective, it signifies his rule over the old and young in Israel.
The act of Joseph’s brothers selling him to Ishmaelites who did not know him and would likely take him as a slave symbolizes the later rule of Pharaoh, a king who disregarded God and made Israelites slaves in a bid to eliminate. The above was perpetuated by the fear of how dominant Israelites would be and hence, most likely be a threat to the king’s rule. Closely related to the above, Jacob’s cry over his son symbolizes God’s remorse over how Israelites were treated with contempt while under king Pharaoh’s rule.
References
Bible Gateway passage: Genesis 37 - New International Version. (2011). Retrieved from https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+37&version=NIV
